Arnold Palmer to 'hang up his clubs'

Updated: 25 February 2007 08:27 IST

The 66th Masters will be the last for golf legend Arnold Palmer

Written by NDTVSports

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Augusta:

The 66th Masters will be the last for golf legend Arnold Palmer. The 72-year-old, a four-time Masters champion who shot an 18 over in the first round, is the most recognizable face in golf along with Jack Nicklaus.
Arnold Palmer was quite simply called the king for bringing in big bucks into the game and giving it such a high profile. "It's going to be tough without him because we all have great memories about him. We all want to see him play, but this course has become so difficult that it's a little too tough for him," said defending champion Tiger Woods.
"He's been a great ambassador and a lot of young kids and others including myself owe Arnold Palmer a lot because he was the one who changed the direction of the game of golf," said Australia's Greg Norman, who's attempting to become the oldest
player to win here.
Palmer himself was emotional about hanging up his clubs after 48 years of appearances at Augusta. "I've enjoyed every bit of it, and I'll enjoy it tomorrow. I thank my fans and I thank all of you who have been so good to me over the years," he said.